Page 23 of His Noble Heart

“I’m guessing you aren’t close to your older brothers.”

“They don’t want anything to do with me, so they don’t exist in my world.”

“Wow. I’m sorry to hear that. Do you know why?”

“Our father says it’s because I’m the product of the affair he had with my mother. He was married to their mother when I was conceived.”

“But what your parents did has nothing to do with you,” I reasoned.

“I know, but I’m not gonna force a relationship with people who want nothing to do with me. I’m good. So, how long have you been teaching?”

“I’m a social worker. This is my fifth year.”

“Social worker, huh? You’ll definitely meet my sister.”

I cocked my head to the side. “Is she . . . troubled?”

“You could say that. She claims to be ready to turn over a new leaf, so we’ll see.”

“What’s her name?”

“Ramina Noble.”

“I’ll be sure to call her down to my office and introduce myself.”

“I’d appreciate that. Thank you.”

The server arrived with our food, and after everything was placed on the table, I extended my hand to Rowdy. He hesitated briefly before taking it. I closed my eyes and bowed my head to bless the food, and I could feel his eyes on me.

“Bow your head and close your eyes,” I requested without looking up.

When I no longer felt his gaze on me, I blessed the food.

“Lord, thank You for sending this handsome angel to rescue me today. I’m grateful for the time and money he sacrificed, and the care he put into ensuring my safety. May You continue to cover and protect him from anything meant to cause him harm. Thank You for the food, and bless the hands that prepared it. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

We lifted our heads at the same time, and our eyes connected. His eyes were soft yet intense, and made my body hot all over.

I cleared my throat. “You good?”

He nodded. “I don’t think any woman besides my mother has ever prayed for me.”

“Oh. Did I overstep?”

“No, but you may have a hard time getting rid of me.”

“Good, because I think I want you to stick around.”

I pulledup in front of Noelani’s apartment building and cut my engine. She’d been quiet on the ride home, so I assumed she’d changed her mind about riding my dick. She didn’t seem like the kind of woman who would fuck on the first date, but with all the shit she was talking, I thought she might surprise me.

“Thank you for dinner. I had a great time tonight,” she said.

“So did I, and you’re welcome. I’ll walk you to the door.”

I put my hand on the door handle as she asked, “You don’t want to come up?”

I paused and looked at her. “Do you want me to come up?”

“Did you think I was playing about riding your dick?”